Tale as old as time – about love, jealousy, deceit and betrayal, but at the end the six characters need to find reconciliation. Mozart created an incredibly detailed musical imagery, which managed to polish the imperfections of the libretto, based upon an actual scandalous event from the life at the court. The composer directed the premiere in Wien only a day before his 34th birthday.
In the Met’s new production director Phelim McDermott chooses to shift he place of action from XVII century Naples to a picturesque atmosphere, inspired by the Coney Island in the beginning of the 50s of the XX century with its typical funfair characters as bearded women and fire eaters. The British director hopes that the audience may enjoy the beauty, splendor and entertainment of the show, without forgetting that, after all, it is a story about love.
It’s funny, it’s beautiful, very gorgeous atmosphere, but most of all it’s a show about love!
Phelim McDermott, stage director
On the photo: Kelli O’Hara as Despina and Christopher Maltman as Don Alfonso